Bologna is a city that is commonly passed through and overlooked. I mean, how could you pass up on visiting the birthplace of 'baloney'? In this guide, I'll be sharing my favorite spots, the things you can't miss, and the perfect way to do it all in one day.
Bologna
@andrewandbrenna
Bologna is a beautiful city only 45 minutes away from Florence. I don't see it possible spending more than a day or two here, which is why I recommend using Bologna as a day trip. For my guide on spending a day in Bologna, click below:
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Arriving in Bologna
Although Bologna has a small airport and large bus station, the most common way of travelling to Bologna is via train. The main train station (Bologna Centrale) is located on the north side of the city and creates a border with the city's center. In simpler terms, the train station puts you in the perfect place to start your day.
Bologna is a city that was built with a main road circling the center. The train station puts you on the north side of this circle, and everywhere you want to go from here is south. To start your day, we'll head to Piazza di Porta Ravegnana, home of Bologna's most iconic landmark: Two Towers.
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If you are up for a workout, climbing the two towers is an option. Admission starts at €3 and offers views overlooking Bologna. Two Towers can tend to get busy around midday which is why we recommend hitting it first. There are also numerous cafes located nearby if you want to grab a bite to eat.
From here, you are already in the city center. And my favorite thing about the city center is the 'portici', which are unique to Bologna. These porticoes are massive, arched covers for walkways. The porticoes are built into its nearby buildings, allowing for covered walks during rain or shaded walks to hide from the sun.
Below are other landmarks that are walking distance from the Two Towers.
Activities in Bologna
Bologna is full of art and architecture, and one of the best ways to experience it is simply travelling by foot. Some of the attractions listed below have an entrance fee, and some are there for you to view for free. All activities have a thorough description within them.
Basilica di San Petronio
@andrewandbrenna
Basilica di San Petronio is an unfinished church in the heart of Bologna. With construction ending in the late 15th century, this church features a mix of Renaissance styles and offers free admission to visitors.
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Teatro Anatomico
@andrewandbrenna
Teatro Anatomico is a historical structure that served an odd purpose. Used for anatomy lectures and dissections, this hall opened its doors in the 1600s. Aside from its anatomical history, the architecture and art that remains is stunning. Admission begins at €3 per person.
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La Piccola Venezia
@andrewandbrenna
More commonly known as "Bologna's Secret Venice", La Piccola Venezia is a series of canals that run through a portion of the city. These canals are available for viewing through a window along Via Piella.
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Biblioteca Salaborsa
@andrewandbrenna
Would you want to go to a public boring library? Of course not. But what about a public library built on top of ancient Roman ruins? Biblioteca Salaborsa is Bologna's main public library built in the late 1800s. This library sits atop historical layers of where an ancient civilization of Rome used to be. Both the library and Roman ruins are free to visit.
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Pinacoteca Nazionale
@andrewandbrenna
Pinacoteca Nazionale is the largest art museum in Bologna. This museum features hundred of pieces from the late 13th century through the early 20th century. Pinacoteca Nazionale also houses a large selection of original Raphael and Titian paintings.
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Botanical Garden and Herbarium
@andrewandbrenna
These botanical gardens sit within the University of Bologna campus. If you are looking for a relaxed activity to do, enjoying lunch here or strolling through the gardens might be the thing for you. Admission into the gardens and herbarium is free,
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City Red Bus
@andrewandbrenna
City Red Bus is a tour company that offers hour-long tours through Bologna. These tours take you past the hotspots and give you a brief rundown on the history that came before us. Tours start at €28 per person.
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Taste Bologna - Bologna Food Tour
@andrewandbrenna
Taste Bologna is the #1 rated food tour in the city. This company offers food tours, wine tours, cooking classes, and more. Bologna is rich in local delicacies and a tour of it all is something worth checking out. For more information and pricing, please visit www.tastebologna.net.
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Eating in Bologna
Bologna is home to many Italian delicacies, making it hard to go wrong when finding a place to eat. Foods produced in Bologna and the surrounding region include parmigiano reggiano, tagliatelle, mortadella, tortellini, bolognese, and more. Below are some of my favorites in Bologna, including aperitivo spots, pizza shops, and the best bolognese sauce in the world.
Via Pescherie Vecchie
@andrewandbrenna
Via Pescherie Vecchie is a large market with restaurants and vendors that sell fresh produce, meats, and cheese. Some of the freshest meats and cheeses in the world are offered here. A personal favorite place in this market is 051, which is listed below.
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051 Osteria
@andrewandbrenna
051 is a perfect spot for a quick snack. Located on Via Pescherie Vecchie, 051 is convenient and affordable. This is the perfect place to try real mortadella, and some of the best parmigiano reggiano in the world. 051 offers these items and more on customizable charcuterie boards
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Bamboo
@andrewandbrenna
Bamboo is my personal favorite aperitivo in Bologna. With a wide variety of snacks and cocktails, it is hard to go wrong with this trendy bar.
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Trattoria dal Biassanot
@andrewandbrenna
Trattoria dal Biassanot has been nicknamed "home of ragu". In Italy, ragu is the word for bolognese sauce or any type of red pasta sauce with beef. Now that we know bolognese sauce got its name from Bologna, there is no excuse for not trying some of the best in the world.
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Regina Sofia
@andrewandbrenna
Looking for a quick and easy option? Regina Sofia has you covered. This local shop offers amazing pizza and charcuterie boards, and is located in a perfect central spot.
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If you are planning a trip to Bologna or Italy in general, feel free to shoot me an email at dentdrew@gmail.com. I’d be happy to answer any questions or concerns that you may have prior to traveling.
Feel free to check out all of my guides on Italy here:
Thank you for reading through this guide and happy traveling!
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